by Dan Davis (@dan_davis20)
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has expressed his pleasure with the Cherries’ comfortable 4-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
The Terriers have impressed in their maiden Premier League season under David Wagner, and came to the Vitality Stadium looking to start brightly. Asmir Begovic had to be at his best to twice deny Rajid van La Parra, before Scott Malone stabbed narrowly wide with only the Bosnian shot-stopper to beat.
However, it was the Cherries who opened the scoring, after Callum Wilson nodded home a header from a corner. From there, the game turned in the home side’s favour, and Bournemouth quickly made it two-nil, after Wilson scored his second through a back post tap in.
Simon Francis’ dismissal on the verge of half time wasn’t enough to allow Huddersfield back into the game, and a determined second half performance from Howe’s men saw Wilson secure his hat-trick and the three points for his team.
Howe expressed how happy he was with his team’s efforts: “I’m very pleased with the performance and the players. We made a really strong start to the game, it was difficult in the early stages, but the first goal was a turning point.
“They set out the second half as they wanted to and one goal would have changed the game. The two centre halves were excellent and protected the ‘keeper really well.”
Callum Wilson’s return to Premier League has so far been a success, and his first goal against the Terriers was the first since January 3rd, in England’s top flight. His strike partnership with Josh King was particularly effective, and Howe spoke about his potential World Cup hopes:
“For me, I’m so happy that he’s looking so good and scoring goals in our team. If he carries on this form today, as he also showed against Newcastle, it’s in his hands to make the England squad for the World Cup.”
The Bournemouth manager has made it clear that he believes the run of fixtures for the Cherries over the holiday period will decide where his team will end up come the end of the season, and so far the south coast club have secured maximum points.
Howe will now have to prepare his team for a trip to Wales, where Bournemouth will play Swansea City. Kick off is at 3:00pm.